Pet Watch in 2025: UAE Pet Events, Community Growth & What We Learned

What a year it’s been! As we wrap up 2025, we’re feeling incredibly grateful for the amazing pet parent community that’s grown with us. From sun-soaked beach parties to festive Christmas markets, Pet Watch has been everywhere pets and their people gather across the UAE. Let me take you through our journey this year. Trust me, it’s been quite the adventure.

How Pet Watch Showed Up for Pet Parents in 2025

This year wasn’t just about attending events; it was about building genuine connections with pet parents like you. We attended 12 incredible events across Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah, meeting thousands of pet lovers who share our passion for keeping our furry friends safe and happy.

I’ll be honest with you: standing at these events, watching Tito make friends with every dog that walked by while wearing his Pet Watch bandana, reminded me why we do what we do. It’s not just about technology; it’s about the peace of mind that comes from knowing your pet is protected.

Pet Watch Events and Community Engagement Throughout 2025

Starting Strong: Pet Parents Expo in January

We kicked off the year at the Pet Parents Expo in Damac Hills, organized by Wonder Mom. This wasn’t your typical expo; it felt more like a neighborhood get-together where everyone happened to have four-legged family members. Over two days in January, we connected with new pet parents who were just starting their journey, right in the heart of the Damac Hills community.

The event featured guest speakers discussing various aspects of the pet industry, and the highlight? Getting to speak on stage about the pet industry on day two. Standing there, sharing insights with fellow pet parents while Tito waited patiently backstage, was surreal. We set up our booth with roll-up banners and handed out goodie bags filled with Pet Watch water dispensers and travel kits to every new signup. Partners like Doctor Pet joined us, creating a well-rounded experience for attendees.

We learned something important that weekend: sometimes you need to leave the booth and meet people where they are, rather than waiting for them to come to you. The proactive approach of moving around the field and engaging directly with pet parents proved far more effective than waiting at the stall.

Spring Adventures: Abu Dhabi and Dubai Events

April brought us two fantastic events that couldn’t have been more different from each other. The Abu Dhabi Pet Festival at Sheikha Fatima Park on April 5th was a beautiful celebration of pet parenthood, bringing together the capital’s vibrant pet community for a day of education, entertainment, and connection.

Just five days later, we found ourselves at the International K9 Show at the Dubai Police Officers Club, and what an experience that was! This wasn’t just another pet event; it was a showcase of the extraordinary partnership between Dubai Police’s K9 Unit and their highly trained dogs. Watching these incredible animals demonstrate their skills, from search and rescue to detection work, left us in awe.

The professionalism, discipline, and deep bond between handlers and their K9 partners reminded us that at its core, Pet Watch is about strengthening the connection between pets and people. Whether it’s a police dog saving lives or a family pet bringing joy to a household, that bond is everything. The event drew significant attention from the pet community, and we were honored to be part of celebrating these four-legged heroes. Every newspaper in the region covered the event, and we couldn’t have been prouder to have our booth there alongside such dedicated professionals.

Summer and Fall: Building Momentum

As temperatures rose, so did our event schedule. We shifted gears with targeted activation campaigns that brought Pet Watch directly into the spaces where pet parents naturally gather. In October, we activated at Tails Cafe, creating an intimate setting where conversations flowed as easily as the coffee. These cafe activations proved incredibly valuable. There’s something about the relaxed atmosphere that makes people more open to learning about how Pet Watch can make their lives easier.

November brought us to Uptown Social, another activation that reinforced our belief in meeting pet parents in their everyday environments. These weren’t massive festivals but focused, meaningful engagements where we could have genuine conversations about pet safety and care.

The RAK Animal Welfare Center’s Pool Pawty in October was pure joy and purpose combined. This unique event combined fun, watching dogs splash around in the pool, with a serious mission: promoting adoption and animal welfare. We set up our standard booth with a table, umbrella, flags, and banners, handing out beach bags, lint rollers, water bottles, and sponges to attendees.

The event drew about 200 pet parents and provided excellent networking opportunities within the pet industry. We connected with other vendors like Wonder Dog and had meaningful conversations about adoption and responsible pet ownership. While we learned important lessons about team sizing and punctuality (note to self: always arrive on time!), seeing those happy, wet dogs and knowing we were supporting adoption efforts made every moment worthwhile. Events like this remind us that Pet Watch isn’t just about convenience, it’s about being part of a community that genuinely cares about animal welfare.

The Grand Finale: November and December Events

November’s Woofstock at Dubai Island Beach was something special. Organized by Doggie Adventures, this two-day beach festival brought together the pet community for an unforgettable experience. With the sand beneath our feet, mini concerts filling the air, and hundreds of dogs enjoying the beach, the atmosphere was electric. Our strategic booth location, complete with a table, umbrella, four flags, and two banners, meant we could engage with waves of pet parents throughout both days.

The beach bags we brought were an absolute hit. There’s something about practical, useful giveaways that pet parents genuinely appreciate, and watching people complete their Pet Watch profiles right there on the beach, excited about the service, was incredibly rewarding. We saw some of our best engagement numbers at Woofstock, with pet owners genuinely interested in finding trusted pet sitters and protecting their furry family members. We shared the space with major players like Royal Canin and Boehringer Ingelheim, which validated our position in the industry.

Then came December, our busiest month yet. We were at three major events, and each one brought something unique to the table.

Dubai Pet Festival (December 6-7) at the Warsan Birds and Pet Market was a comprehensive celebration of everything pet-related. This outdoor festival featured international dog shows, cat shows, pet fashion shows, dog agility competitions, a petting farm, a kids zone, adoption initiatives, and animal welfare education. The organizers promised 15,000+ attendees, and while the actual turnout was around 1,500, those who came were deeply engaged.

We set up with our standard gear, table (provided by the event), four flags, two roll-up banners, tablecloth, and speaker. The goodie bags, 100 beach bags, 100 water bottles, and 100 lint rollers proved to be excellent motivators for pet owners to complete their full registration. Despite some challenges (electricity arrived at the last minute, lighting was an issue after dark, and we found ourselves surrounded by competitors), we made meaningful connections. We distributed flyers for pet sitters and engaged with major partners like Purina, Pet Me Magazine, Al Mayya Adoptions, and Dubai Municipality.

The lessons were invaluable: bring battery-operated lights for evening events, update our flags with fresh designs, consider adding phone interface samples to our roll-up banners, and maybe even provide free WiFi for people registering with us. Most exciting? The idea of inviting our certified Pet Watch sitters to participate with us at future events.

Tails at the Beach in Fujairah (December 6) offered a different vibe entirely. Organized by Petwithit at the Radisson Blu Fujairah, this full-day event promised agility competitions, mini golf, beach activities, Doga and sound healing sessions, market stalls, and more. The expected attendance was 250, but the actual turnout was closer to 50, likely due to the F1 weekend and the long Eid holiday affecting travel plans.

While the footfall was lower than hoped, we learned important lessons about timing and external factors that impact event success. Most attendees were hotel guests from Dubai and Abu Dhabi rather than Fujairah residents, which gave us insights into travel patterns and pet parent demographics. We brought 100 beach bags, water bottles, and lint rollers, along with pet sitter certification brochures. Even at smaller events, showing up matters for brand presence and community building.

Christmas Market at Barasti (December 13) closed out our year with a bang! Organized by Best Friends Pet Co, this festive celebration at Barasti hotel was everything we hoped for. The expected attendance was 5,000, and we had approximately 3,000 actual attendees, our second-largest event of the year.

The atmosphere was magical: a full day dedicated to Christmas festivities, community spirit, and unforgettable moments with hundreds of pet owners and their dogs. The event featured a mini-market, kids’ activities, live band performances, off-leash areas (which were a huge hit!), a splash zone, fun dog shows, and even a meet-and-greet with Santa. We set up with eight flags, three banners, a speaker, and our signature booth setup under a tent.

Our team of enthusiastic staff in Pet Watch t-shirts and caps worked the crowd beautifully. We handed out 100 beach bags, 100 water bottles, and 100 lint rollers, along with 200 flyers. The goodie bags went to every approved account, creating a tangible reward for completing registration. We recorded 102 unique scans and 136 total scans, solid engagement numbers that reflected the quality of the event organization.

Working alongside industry heavyweights like Royal Canin and The Pet Shop, we felt the energy of a well-organized, professionally run event. Our team’s feedback was unanimously positive: good organization, strong teamwork, and excellent turnout. The off-leash areas were particularly notable, watching dogs play freely while their parents socialized nearby, perfectly capturing what the pet community is all about.

We did identify areas for improvement: a larger tent for shade and comfort, hiring additional promoters for better crowd coverage, ensuring we have enough flyers on hand, and double-checking that all equipment (like our speaker) is working before the event starts. We also noted that bringing gifts for event competition winners would be a nice touch for future participation. But overall? The Christmas Market at Barasti reminded us why we do this work, the joy on people’s faces, the connections made, and the knowledge that we’re helping keep pets safe across the UAE.

What Made Pet Watch Events Special in 2025

Here’s what we learned works: authenticity beats everything. Pet parents can spot a sales pitch from a mile away, but they’ll stop and chat when they see you genuinely care about their pets’ well-being. Our team, rocking Pet Watch t-shirts and caps, became known for giving practical advice alongside app demonstrations.

Our goodie bags evolved throughout the year based on what pet parents actually needed: beach bags for those sandy Dubai days, lint rollers for the inevitable fur situation, and water bottles because hydration matters for everyone (pets included). These weren’t just giveaways; they were thoughtful tools that pet parents could use daily.

Growing the Pet Watch Community Across the UAE

What excites me most isn’t just the numbers, though connecting with thousands of pet parents across the Emirates was incredible. It’s the stories. The relieved mom who finally found a trusted pet sitter through Pet Watch. The professional pet sitter who built a thriving business using our platform. The family who could travel knowing their pets were in good hands.

We saw significant growth in approved accounts, especially at events where we could sit down with pet parents and walk them through the entire registration process, taking that extra time to listen to their concerns and show them exactly how Pet Watch works made all the difference.

Behind the Scenes: What We Learned at Pet Watch in 2025

Running 12 events taught us plenty. Some events, like Woofstock and the Christmas Market at Barasti, exceeded expectations with thousands of attendees and incredible engagement. Others, like Tails at the Beach, taught us that factors beyond our control (such as F1 weekends and holiday travel) can affect turnout.

We learned to arrive early (that RAK Pool Pawty lesson stuck with us), to bring our own lighting solutions, and that gamification at the booth isn’t just nice to have; it’s essential for engagement. We also discovered that one person can handle smaller community events, but major festivals need the whole team.

The partnership opportunities were eye-opening, too. Sharing space with industry leaders such as Royal Canin and Purina, and local heroes such as RAK Animal Welfare Center, showed us we’re part of something bigger: a movement toward better, safer pet care across the UAE.

Pet Watch in 2026 and Beyond

As we close out 2025, we’re not just celebrating where we’ve been; we’re energized about where we’re going. The lessons learned from 12 events and countless conversations with pet parents have shaped our vision for an even bigger, better 2026.

Expect to see us at more events across the UAE. We’re already planning an expanded event calendar that will take us to new cities and communities we haven’t reached yet. From large-scale festivals to intimate neighborhood gatherings, Pet Watch will continue showing up wherever pet parents come together.

But events are just the beginning. We’re doubling down on strategic activations in the places you visit every day, your favorite pet-friendly cafes, parks, beaches, and community spaces. These activations create opportunities for deeper conversations and hands-on support in comfortable, familiar settings.

Supporting adoption is close to our hearts, and in 2026, you’ll see us partnering even more closely with rescue organizations and animal welfare centers across the Emirates. Every pet deserves a loving home, and every adopter deserves support in their journey. We’re here to help make those connections happen.

The Pet Watch Academy is getting a major upgrade. We’re committed to making it the gold standard for pet sitter certification in the UAE. Expect enhanced training modules, more comprehensive resources, and even better support for the incredible pet sitters who make our platform work. When you book through Pet Watch, you’ll have even more confidence that your pet is in the most capable, caring hands.

New features are coming that will make finding and booking trusted pet care even easier. We’re listening to your feedback and building solutions that address your real needs. Whether you’re a pet parent searching for the perfect sitter or a pet sitter growing your business, 2026 will bring tools that make your experience smoother and more rewarding.

We’re also planning to involve our certified pet sitters directly in events, creating opportunities for you to meet them face-to-face before booking. Building trust happens through connection, and we want to facilitate those connections in every way possible.

The UAE pet parent community has shown us incredible support this year, and we’re committed to showing up, literally and figuratively, wherever pets and their people gather. Whether it’s an intimate cafe activation, a massive beach festival, an adoption drive, or a training session at the Pet Watch Academy, we’ll be there, building connections and keeping pets safe.

2025 taught us that Pet Watch is more than an app; it’s a movement of people who believe pets deserve the very best. And in 2026, that movement is only getting stronger. Here’s to another year of wagging tails, purring contentment, and the peace of mind that comes from knowing your furry family member is in good hands.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pet Watch in 2025

How many events did Pet Watch attend in 2025?

Pet Watch participated in 12 events throughout 2025, spanning Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Ras Al Khaimah, and Fujairah. These ranged from intimate community gatherings to large-scale festivals with thousands of attendees.

How can I meet the Pet Watch team at future events?

Keep an eye on our social media channels and website for announcements about upcoming events across the UAE. We love meeting pet parents face-to-face, so stop by our booth; we’re the ones in the green t-shirts with the enthusiastic welcome! Stay up to date with our plan via the News and Announcement page.

What kind of support does Pet Watch offer at community events?

At events, our team provides hands-on help with app registration, answers questions about finding trusted pet sitters, offers practical pet care advice, and gives away useful items like beach bags and water bottles. We’re there to make your Pet Watch experience as smooth as possible. For the new app users, we always have some new gifts to share.

Will Pet Watch attend more events in 2026?

Absolutely! Based on the incredible response we received in 2025, we’re planning an even more robust event schedule for 2026. We’ll continue showing up wherever pet parents gather to build community, share knowledge, and celebrate the joy that pets bring to our lives.

By Monja Madan, Founder of Pet Watch App.

January 09, 2026